Inbox: It won't be that simple

[Cheesehead]

Mario from Kettleman City, CA


An NFLPA database shows that 72 NFL players were known to have tested positive for the coronavirus as of July 10. But not even a very large number of players have been tested. Big news?


Regarding this season, not really. The key to getting things started right will be the intake testing when everyone reports. If all initial positive tests result in quarantines and other proper measures, that's what'll matter.


Bill from Manitowoc, WI


I'd like to revisit the Jordan Love selection and comparison to the Aaron Rodgers pick. It greatly improved Brett's performance AFTER he got to Minnesota, due to his wanting revenge on the team that let him go. I'm hoping Aaron can do the same but in a Packer uniform. Sometimes we can get in a comfort zone due to past accolades and motivation wanes. What do you think of my logic?


I've never questioned Rodgers' motivation, but I acknowledge the psyche of a professional athlete isn't really quantifiable or can't fully be known. I'll say this: Whether Rodgers performs well or poorly, the pundits will be wanting to tie it to Love's arrival, and I guarantee it won't be that simple.


Dave from Waterford, OH


With this terrible pandemic in mind, maybe the NFL could consider, for this year only, shortening games by going with 12-minute quarters. At first glance, the idea doesn't seem all that helpful, but there could be some unseen benefits to such a move.


I'm not dismissing the idea as a bad one, but in reality it'll never happen. It would either remove too many ad spots in the broadcasts, or force more ads to be crammed into a shortened game, making for a more disjointed and frustrating viewing experience.


Lori from Brookfield, WI


Dear Dr. Mike, what should an II fan do to bounce back when he or she has lost the ability to think of a question to send in to packers.com?


Don't despair. As much as we appreciate you, Lori, a temporary read-only phase is no crime.


Derek from Norton, KS


Could a key player opting out of the season cause a trickle-down effect for a single team? An example would be, Tom Brady opting out, leading to Evans, Godwin and Gronk not wanting to play with a backup QB.


Wow, I hadn't really thought of that possibility. It's hard for me to imagine that many high-priced players leaving that much money on the table. They'd all get paid the same no matter the QB.


DT from Bozeman, MT


So jealousy is not allowed but gloating is?


When you have to write this column for a whole week without a break, yeah.


Carol from Cedar Rapids, IA


Has a seventh-round pick or free agent ever won the rookie of the year award? What is the lowest for offensive and defensive POY?


An undrafted player has never won either Associated Press award since inception (offense 1957, defense 1967) if my quick research is accurate. In the current seven-round draft format, the lowest pick to win one is Denver RB Mike Anderson, a sixth-rounder in 2000 (No. 189 overall). Back in 1958, Pittsburgh end Jimmy Orr won the offensive award as a 25th-round pick (No. 291), and in 1980, Atlanta LB Al Richardson was an eighth-round pick (No. 201 overall) who shared the defensive award with a teammate.


Matt from Kula, HI


I haven't seen any news about Clay Matthews recently. Do you think he will get signed somewhere before camp? If so, where would you guess? Or do you think he's done?


I have no idea where he'll end up, but I don't think Matthews is done playing. I could see him signing somewhere during camp as soon as an injury or infection takes out someone's key pass rusher. Or because vested veterans are guaranteed their full-season salary if they're on a Week 1 roster, maybe some of these available elder statesmen like Matthews will get picked up Week 2.


Stephen from Palos Park, IL


Since fans won't be in attendance, will the Packers hold training camp indoors, or will it still be held were they hold it when fans in the past have been able to attend?


I'm sure they'll practice outside, weather permitting, with the tarps up around the fencing. They have a lot more room on the outdoor fields to run drills than inside the Hutson Center, especially with a 90-man roster.